A Matrix Ring Description for Cyclic Convolutional Codes

In this paper, we study convolutional codes with a specific cyclic structure. By definition, these codes are left ideals in a certain skew polynomial ring. Using that the skew polynomial ring is isomorphic to a matrix ring we can describe the algebraic parameters of the codes in a more accessible way. We show that the existence of such codes with given algebraic parameters can be reduced to the solvability of a modified rook problem. It is our strong belief that the rook problem is always solvable, and we present solutions in particular cases

Towards a Systematic Understanding of the Neural Circuits of the Periaqueductal Grey (PAG)

The midbrain periaqueductal grey (PAG) is commonly recognised as the exit relay for the coordination and execution of a wide range of instinctive behaviours, such as defense, reproduction and predation. In line with its functional diversity, are the range of inputs it receives from higher cortical and subcortical areas as well as ascending spinal pathways, and the various neurotransmitter and neuromodulatory mechanisms active in its different subregions. However, the lack of a comprehensive cell-type classification of the PAG hinders systematic investigations into the intricacies of its many behavioural roles. Here, we applied high-throughput single neuronal nucleus RNA-sequencing to profile transcriptomes of adult mouse PAG neurons. Our data revealed at least 9 distinct PAG neuronal subpopulations, marked by differential expressions of neurotransmitter, neuromodulator and ion channel genes. In addition, using a combination of optogenetic manipulations and a carefully designed defense test battery, we identified separate functions of dPAG vGlut2+, PACAP+ and Tac2+ neurons in triggering and modulating defensive behaviour. We showed that dlPAG vGlut2+ neurons project to the Cuneiform nucleus, and this projection is an output pathway for PAG elicited escape behaviour. Our work supports the existence of molecularly distinct, functionally divergent pathways in the PAG underlying defensive behaviour, and demonstrates a framework towards a systematic dissection of cell-type specific functions of complex brain regions

Microcanonical studies on isoscaling

The exponential scaling of isotopic yields is investigated for sources of different sizes over a broad range of excitation energies and freeze-out volumes, in both primary and asymptotic stages of the decay in the framework of a microcanonical multifragmentation model. It was found that the scaling parameters have a strong dependence on the considered pair of equilibrated sources and excitation energy and are affected by the secondary particle emission of the break-up fragments. No significant influence of the freeze-out volume on the considered isotopic ratios has been observed. Deviations of microcanonical results from grandcanonical expectations are discussed.Comment: 19 pages, 6 figure

Biorefining Waste Sludge From Water and Sewage Treatment Plants Into Eco-Construction Material

This study aims to investigate the feasibility of using different waste sludge and coal combustion residuals in eco-concrete block production. The compressive strength of the eco-concrete blocks produced by waterworks sludge, bottom and fly ashes were 36 MPa, which comply with the standard specifications for paving blocks in Hong Kong. The optimal mixing proportion (by weight) of different materials in the blocks, such as aggregates, cementitious materials, water, and fly ash was 1.1:1.0:0.5:0.22, respectively. The environmental and toxicological impacts of the final products were then evaluated according to the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP). While several heavy metals (i.e., Hg, Cu, and Pb) have been identified in the specimens, the levels of these contaminants complied with Standards (US 40 CFR 268.48). Waste materials generated from water and sewage treatment processes and power plants are feasible to be used as ingredients for paving concrete block production. These products are environmentally acceptable and mechanically suitable for resource recovery of waste materials

Biodegradation of Ammonia in Biofiltration Systems: Changes of Metabolic Products and Microbial Communities

In the first stage, the feasibility of using the waste materials from coal power plants (i.e., coal slag) and landscapes (i.e., wood chip and compost) as packing media in various biofiltration systems for ammonia (NH3) removal was investigated. In the second stage, the optimized biotrickling system packed with coal slag was employed to investigate the effects of inlet concentration on NH3 treatment performance. A complete NH3 removal was achieved at concentrations of up to 250 ppm at an empty bed retention time of as low as 8 s, which is shorter than most previously reported biofiltration systems. Results of metabolic product analysis indicated that half of introduced NH3 was oxidized to nitrate and the rest was converted to ammonium ion at low loadings, while nitrite and ammonium ions predominate at high loadings. A bacterial community shift was observed with regard to the loading rates and pH conditions. In addition, there were no common operating problems, such as clogging and compaction, in the operation for more than 1 year

A pilot placebo-controlled, double-blind, and randomized study on the cognition-enhancing benefits of a proprietary chicken meat ingredient in healthy subjects

Background: It has long been postulated that the relative abundance of specific nutrients can affect cognitive processes and emotions. Newly described influences of dietary factors on neuronal function and synaptic plasticity have revealed some of the vital mechanisms that could be responsible for the action of diet on brain health and cognitive function. Here, through a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, we asked if the newly discovered chicken meat ingredient-168 (CMI-168) could be beneficial to the cognitive function in healthy adults. Methods: Normal, healthy subjects were supplemented with either placebo or CMI-168 for 6 weeks. The subjects were given a series of cognitive tests to examine their levels of cognitive functioning at the beginning and end of supplementation, as well as two weeks after termination of supplementation. The combination of these tests, namely Digit Span Backwards, Letter-Number Sequencing, and the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), was used to assess the subjects' attention and working memory. For all comparisons, the probability level of p < 0.05 was taken as statistically significant using repeated measure 2-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni post-hoc test. Results: Overall, subjects supplemented with CMI-168 showed significantly (p < 0.01) better performance in all cognitive tests after 6 weeks' supplementation compared to control and such superior performance was maintained even 2 weeks after termination of supplementation. Conclusions: The present study reveals the cognition-enhancing properties of a recently developed chicken meat ingredient, likely arising from the promotion of attention and prefrontal cortex functions